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Nigel chases Plum role
by Claire Killeen
Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser
Former Wagga star lock Nigel Plum considers he was fortunate to make the move to Sydney 18 months ago, to chase a dream of playing in the National Rugby League premiership.
Although he struggles with certain aspects of city life, the 21-year-old concedes there are sacrifices he must take to achieve his ambition.
Those including working long days from 7am as a full-time plasterer before training with Western Suburbs Magpies at night.
"There are sacrifices you have to make," Plum said.
"I love playing football and at the moment I have to combine the two...and it is working."
A Group Nine premiership winner with (Wagga) Kangaroos as a raw boned teenager in 2001, Plum has adapted to city life.
"I live in Campbelltown and it isn't much different to Wagga," Plum said.
"It's when you go in closer to the city that you hit the rat race."
"The reason I came up here was to play first grade football, so even if the days are long I just have to do it."
With a goal to play first grade with Wests Tigers at some stage this year, Plum has to contend with Scott Sattler as the number one lock and realises he must wait in line.
"I just have to keep on playing good football," he said.
"There is not a lot else I can do. I have learnt a lot from Michael Buettner and a couple of the other guys. Those guys taught me a lot about the mental side of things."
"So when my time comes I just have to make the most of it."
Plum said he struggled earlier in the season with his form but now has settled into the groove.
The Magpies currently sit eleventh on the ladder and will face Newtown Jets at Henson Park.
"We are not going well at the moment," Plum said.
"But there is still a long way to go in the season. I was not happy with my form earlier in the season but now I'm going okay.
"I have been playing lock for the last three weeks but prior to that I had been in the second row.
"I play the same game no matter where I play, basically it is just defence based."
by Claire Killeen
Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser
Former Wagga star lock Nigel Plum considers he was fortunate to make the move to Sydney 18 months ago, to chase a dream of playing in the National Rugby League premiership.
Although he struggles with certain aspects of city life, the 21-year-old concedes there are sacrifices he must take to achieve his ambition.
Those including working long days from 7am as a full-time plasterer before training with Western Suburbs Magpies at night.
"There are sacrifices you have to make," Plum said.
"I love playing football and at the moment I have to combine the two...and it is working."
A Group Nine premiership winner with (Wagga) Kangaroos as a raw boned teenager in 2001, Plum has adapted to city life.
"I live in Campbelltown and it isn't much different to Wagga," Plum said.
"It's when you go in closer to the city that you hit the rat race."
"The reason I came up here was to play first grade football, so even if the days are long I just have to do it."
With a goal to play first grade with Wests Tigers at some stage this year, Plum has to contend with Scott Sattler as the number one lock and realises he must wait in line.
"I just have to keep on playing good football," he said.
"There is not a lot else I can do. I have learnt a lot from Michael Buettner and a couple of the other guys. Those guys taught me a lot about the mental side of things."
"So when my time comes I just have to make the most of it."
Plum said he struggled earlier in the season with his form but now has settled into the groove.
The Magpies currently sit eleventh on the ladder and will face Newtown Jets at Henson Park.
"We are not going well at the moment," Plum said.
"But there is still a long way to go in the season. I was not happy with my form earlier in the season but now I'm going okay.
"I have been playing lock for the last three weeks but prior to that I had been in the second row.
"I play the same game no matter where I play, basically it is just defence based."
